whisper

Transcribe local audio files using a CPU-based Whisper backend.

10|Updated Feb 17, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/istota-project/istota --skill whisper-istota-project
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: whisper
Source: https://github.com/istota-project/istota/tree/main/src/istota/skills/whisper
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/istota-project/istota --skill whisper-istota-project

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Local audio transcription on-device, preserving privacy by avoiding cloud processing, and enabling offline workflows with faster-whisper.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Automatic model selection based on available RAM for CPU-based transcription.
  • Support for common audio formats and multiple output formats (JSON, SRT, VTT, or plain text).
  • Real-world use: transcribe interviews or recordings on a secure, offline workstation.

Quick Start

Transcribe a local audio file by running istota-skill whisper transcribe /path/to/audio.wav.

Frequently Asked Questions about whisper

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I transcribe audio locally on my CPU without sending data to the cloud?

Local audio transcription with a CPU-based Whisper backend processes files entirely offline, avoiding cloud processing. It validates inputs and handles missing dependencies gracefully to ensure secure, on-device workflows.

Can I output audio transcriptions as SRT or VTT subtitle formats?

Audio transcriptions support multiple output formats including JSON, SRT, VTT, and plain text. You can generate any of these formats across various languages directly from your local audio files.

How does local transcription handle model selection for different machines?

Automatic model selection evaluates available system RAM to choose the optimal Whisper model for CPU-based transcription. This balances processing speed and accuracy according to your workstation's specific hardware capabilities.

Do I need a GPU to run faster-whisper for offline transcription?

No, a GPU is not required. The transcription process utilizes a CPU-based Whisper backend, automatically selecting the appropriate model based on available RAM to run efficiently on a local, offline workstation.

What happens if my workstation is missing dependencies for audio transcription?

If dependencies are missing, the transcription process handles the situation gracefully rather than failing abruptly. It validates inputs and returns structured, machine-readable results to help identify and resolve environment issues.